Nijad - I'm a Sheikh, third son of the emir of Amahad, a small but powerful Arab state. After bringing shame on my country and acquiring the well-earned title of the Savage Sheikh, the emir banished me to the desert, where for three years I have led the primitive tribes; my job to prevent jihadists from crossing the border. Do I want a wife? Heck, no, I can't risk letting another woman getting close to me. What if I lost control again? But it seems I must marry, and my bride is to be an Englishwoman, kidnapped and forced into this arrangement as retribution for the crimes of a father she didn't even know
Cara - I don't need a mirror; I know what I am. Preferring to avoid pitying looks, I live as a recluse, working from home. Professionally I'm a forensic accountant, but on the side, I'm an adept computer hacker. What I am most definitely not is someone who'd be kidnapped, stolen from their home, and forced to marry a desert sheikh. Coerced into an intimate relationship with a man who has a frightening reputation, and who's a complete stranger to me.
Set amongst the backdrop of a multi-cultural Arab state struggling to keep out jihadists who threaten the freedoms of its peoples, Stolen Lives follows the story of two people, pushed into a relationship neither of them wants, forcing both to deal with the hand the past has dealt them.
Manda’s life's always seemed a bit weird, starting with a childhood that even today she’s still trying to make sense of, then losing her parents in the late teens. Going from the tragic to the bizarre, who else could be unlucky enough to have had two car accidents, neither her fault, one involving a nun, and another involving a police woman?
There isn’t enough space to list everything that’s happened to Manda, or what she’s learned from it. But by using the rich fabric of her personal life, psychology degree, varied work experiences, and amazing characters she’s met, Manda is able to populate her books with believable in-depth characters and enjoys pitting them against situations which challenge them. Her books are full of suspense, twists and turns and the unexpected.
Manda lives in the beautiful countryside of Essex in the UK, the area’s claim to fame being the Wilkin’s Jam Factory at nearby Tiptree. She can usually find jars of jam which remind her of home wherever she goes. As well as writing books and reading, Manda loves walking her dogs and keeping fit. She lives with her husband of over 30 years, who, along with her son, is her greatest fan and supporter.
Manda is thankful that one of the more unusual, and at the time unpleasant, turns her life took, now enables her to spend her time writing. Confirming, in her view, every cloud has a silver lining.
This is my first book by Manda Mellett and I will say I am looking forward to reading more!
This is more than just a romance book, it's a book that deals with serious and life changing topics.
It really opened my eyes to the daily struggles of those living in Arab state, which I enjoyed. I love learning about other cultures.
Plus it was fascinating seeing Cara and Nijad relationship transform considering how that met. Cara came off a wee bit scared at first -IMO - but she was such a strong heroine. Her bravery was inspiring. They say you never know how strong you are until you are faced with something life changing and she is strong, let me tell ya!
I thought I was going to hate Nijad but he surprised me as the book went on. He was more than just some rich playboy, he was kind, gentle and loving.
This book took two people who had everything stripped away from them yet didn't let it break them, it made them stronger. Just beautiful!!!
The story was captivating. I enjoyed reading a fictional tale where the male lead was not only of color but a different nationality and culture. The way the fictional characters readily accepted and embraced each cultural differences was beautiful. Not to mention the Dom/Sub angle was the touch that made the story.
This was a really good read. My first book by this author and will not be the last. Nijad was so broken. I knew from the beginning he was good Just needed it to come to the light. I liked Cara. I just wanted her to have bit more confidence. I would have preferred the storyline took her back home and made him come and get her. Her actions was the difference in a higher rating for me.
Ohh my goodness!! I love me some Sheikhs!! Wow! Sexy Hot Alpha men!! Who could ask for anything more. But the Author brings in a woman who is not 'perfect' by most peoples standards. She brought this Alpha man to his knee's. I love that the women have doubts about themselves like most women do. But Author proves when the right one comes along your beautiful in his eyes no matter how much you might not believe it. I can't wait to see what happens next in the series. I recommend this book and the Author.
Wow! I have enjoyed other books by this author, but this one is one of my favorites of the year. The book had a wonderful plot that pulled me in from the start. The characters were so wonderful and I felt the connection right away. I put other books on hold to read so I could read the next book of this series.
This is the first time iv read this author but it won't be the last absolutely loved this story can't wait to read the rest in the series definitely worth a read
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
I have to say this was one of my favorite books of 2016. The author puts the perfect amount of detail into this book which makes it so amazing.You really get a huge book (over 300 pages on my kindle). The author really gives me something I can sink my teeth into.
This book really has a story line behind it and not just sex while sometimes comes with books that has BDSM involved. The story line is really amazing takes you on a journy of highs and lows. Its a book that I wanted to know how it ended but never wanted to stop reading. Manda really keeps you on your seat with twists and turns. The characters are very easy to become attached to and you can feel the emotions running through you as the story unfolds. I would highly recommend this bookto anyone who loves a romance that also incorperates a little drama and love that *fingers crossed* stands the test of time. Will be reading Manda's other books in this series
This was my first book from Manda,and i love it! Usually this kind of series,for brothers or family members or friend are my favorite, and i can't wait to read every book from this series. I liked this book,i liked Cara ,she has very strong personality, she is smart, but it was a little annoyed ,because i had the feeling that she forgave Nijad a little bit to fast for my taste :) But except for that i loved this book,and i'm looking forward to meet the other characters from this series.
I have finished all of the other books by Ms Mellett and when remembering there are links to early Satan’s Devils, with Blood Brothers, made a start forthwith ....... that’ll keep me busy until Throttle arrives ! I cannot express how much I thoroughly enjoy this author’s work, her expert skills In formulating a story that keeps you engrossed are brilliant. I heartily recommend any and all of her offerings. Thank you !
Stolen Lives is about being forced to do something but then that something turns out to be the best thing that could of happened to you. It's about two scared souls finding their missing pieces and healing. This story has alittle of everything alittle BDSM, intrique, suspense, humor and sexy time between the sheets. Happy Reading!!
I absolutely adored this book. Najid & Cara have a love story unlike a traditional romance. It was great to read a story where the heroine doesn’t look like a model. It was great to read a story based somewhere new to me. This book has a lot of faith and courage and passion. Will definitely read the other books in this series!
It was a great read. It had interesting character and a story line that will hold your attention. Kijad and Sara make a interesting couple coming from so different backgrounds. You begin to wonder if they are truly going to find a HEA. Rated very good
Ok,so I have read mandas MC books and loved them,I knew I had missed bits of the story/background but not reading this series ( can be read without as you get what's going still,just miss background) and I loved this book!
OMG!!! I just absolutely loved this book from beginning to end!! What a totally amazing book! I can't wait to read the next book! A definite must read! Happy Reading!!!! :)
I really enjoyed reading this book. Had a different story line that what I wasn't used to and the way the author wrote it was excellent. The h was a bit annoying but its understandable once you hear why she was so insecure.
Wow what a rush! Love a good erotic story? It is within these 400 pages. Like a little bit of drama and mystery? STOLEN LIVES offers this as well. Appreciate a good fairytale romance? Yep that's here too. A great fable, absolutely. To offer all of these wrapped up in a sweet package is exactly what Manda Mellett gives you.
There are a few issues with editing though and I found some parts to be a tad bit rushed. Rushed at 400 pages, you ask? Well again there is so much Ms. Mellet offers in these pages, this is a wild ride for the start of a series. I hope Ms. Mellett offers more descriptive details within the setting of places she takes us to in her next book. Oh, you caught that, I hope, next book... Yes, definitely sign me up! I wrote this review first for theromancereviews.com
Two lost souls come together. Two people who’d had their lives stolen from them, finding a new life together.
This is my first book read by Manda Mellet and I can say I love this book and I will continue reading more of her books. This book will keep you on edge with so many emotions rolling around. This book was tense, heart stopping moments, betrayal, compelling, twist and turns, passion and love. Cara and Nijad love and passion was so hot that I felt like I was in the room with them. I love Cara and Nijad. I so wanted hit Nijad for what he did to Cara. I was so angry, peeved and I cried for Cara. I was distraught with what was happening. This book is totally worth reading and I'm looking forward to reading the next book. ~~~Belinda for Book Haven Promotions~~~
When you read this book you have to remember there are huge cultural differences to the westernized world, so the way she is treated goes against 'girl power' but its their way. Its a good story, i thought the events of Paris were obvious from the start but when it is explained why things were accepted the way they were that is also a reasonable explanation. He is hard and cruel at times and you can't help feel for Cara but he sorts himself out in the end. HEA but i believe their story is continued through the rest of the series.